With the expansion of immunotherapy indications for cancer treatment in New Zealand, immune-related adverse events are expected to increase.
Te Pūao Mātai Pukupuku NZSO Oncology Immunotoxicity Webinar Series has been developed to support New Zealand health professionals in identifying, managing, and understanding immunotherapy toxicities and contraindications.
This free educational series will bring together leading national and international experts to provide practical, evidence-based guidance for professionals involved in cancer care.
Join our webinar mailing list to receive future updates about this series, including details of the first event in the coming month. Please note this is separate from the NZSO database.
We encourage you to share this information widely within your networks and circulate the promotional poster among your communities and colleagues.
If you have questions around this webinar series, please contact:
Georgia Watson
Conference Innovators
georgia@conference.nz
+64 3 352 8120
Upcoming Webinar | 12 August
Immunotherapy Toxicity and Management for Nurses: Recognising, Assessing, Educating and Coordinating Care
Wednesday 12 August | 7.00 – 8.30pm
Presented by: Becky Upston | Clinical Nurse Specialist, RN Designated Prescriber, Medical Oncology Outpatients
This practical, nursing-focused session provides an overview of the immunotherapies used in New Zealand and the mechanisms behind immune-related adverse events (irAEs). It will explore common toxicities, their onset, assessment, monitoring, and management, with an emphasis on patient education and the use of toxicity assessment tools. The session will also discuss the relationship between treatment response and immune-related toxicities, highlighting the vital role nurses play in recognising symptoms early, coordinating care, and optimising patient outcomes.
Introducing
Becky Upston
Becky Upston is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in oncology, having worked in both New Zealand and internationally. She currently works in Medical Oncology, where she leads nurse-led treatment review and follow-up clinics within the melanoma, lung, and colorectal tumour streams, while also providing outreach support to patients.
Becky is committed to advancing oncology nursing through both clinical practice and professional leadership. She serves on the Cancer Nurses College Committee, is an active member of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), and the Nursing Skin Cancer Special Interest Group.
Passionate about evidence-based practice and continuous learning, Becky is dedicated to expanding her knowledge of emerging cancer therapies to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care. She has a particular clinical interest in cancer immunotherapy, with a focus on the recognition, assessment, and management of immune-related adverse events, as well as the vital role nurses play in patient education and early toxicity detection. Becky is also committed to supporting and developing the oncology nursing profession both locally and nationally through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
Webinars for viewing
Episode 1 | June 2026
Oncology Immunotherapy: Key Concepts and Practical Pearls for Primary and Emergency Clinicians
Presented by Dr Gareth Rivalland | Medical Oncologist, Auckland
Hosted by Dr Caleb Lucas | Medical Oncologist, Christchurch
Oncology immunotherapy has transformed outcomes for many cancer patients, but unlike traditional chemotherapy, it can produce unique immune-related adverse effects that often present first in primary care and emergency settings. This session will provide a practical overview of immunotherapy, outline common toxicities, and highlight key strategies for early recognition, assessment, and initial management.
We gratefully acknowledge the following sponsors for their valued support of this educational initiative.
The scientific content, speaker selection, and educational materials have been developed independently by Te Pūao Mātai Pukupuku New Zealand Society for Oncology. Sponsors have had no involvement in the development, review, or approval of the series content and have not influenced the views or recommendations presented.
